DANIEL VIÑOLY

M A N D A L A S

The term Mandala (from the Sanskrit: “that carries the essence”, or “support for the spirit”) refers to the circle-in-a-square powder paintings made by Tibetan Monks depicting the universe.  The fragile mandala paintings are, in the eye of their creators, not works of art in-themselves but tools meant to create a space for meditation, tools for experience. Through the contemplation of these images, the viewers might connect with their inner truths.

In a similar way, the works presented at the Americas Collection are tools meant to create a space for experience. Each piece presents a set of images and texts, all of them signs that might originate from residuals left of a past experience or events that might not be immediately identifiable.  These symbols offer the viewer a chance to engage in a process of remembrance, a game of artificial reconstruction or re-invention of a personal memory. Like the Mandalas, the light- boxes are not self-contained aesthetic events, but constructions made to provoke an intimate interaction with the observer. The artwork ultimately fulfills its purpose the moment he or she starts making up stories while looking at them.

The opening reception will be on Friday, October 2 from 7 to 10 pm. The art critic and poet Carlos Luis will give a talk on his personal interpretation of Viñoly’s work.